If you're in the market for a vintage Gibson with a unique flavor, you've found the right guitar, at the right place, and the right time.
The Gibson ES-125 is one of the lesser known models from the company, but it's become a sleeper hit over the years, especially recently.  At first glance, you wouldn't think it, but it's a very versatile guitar.  Players as varied as Bill Frisell, BB King, Tracy Chapman, George Thorogood and Thom Yorke have been known to sport one.  And don't forget the Vaughns - both Stevie Ray and Jimmie put it to good use.  The ES-125 evolved out of the ES-100 in the early 1940's and evolved quite a bit over the years.  The body got wider, P-90 pickups were introduced and diffirent inlays were added.  It changed a lot in the 60's, and for many, a 1959 version is the way to go.  
Here, we have an example of a rare 1959 ES-125 in Sunburst with a single P90 pickup.  Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this guitar has stood the test of time.  The sunburst finish is stunning and has aged beautifully.  It has a laminated maple body, mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard that is still in great shape.  The P90 pickup provides a classic tone that is surprisingly versatile for a variety of styles. The appointments are simple but it has all of the vibe you'd ever want.

This is a nice, clean guitar - of course there is some finish checking and signs of age but in the best of ways.  It deserves to go home to its next owner that will take care of it for decades to come.
The finish is original.  What is not are the tuners, knobs, tailpiece, bridge and pickup.  The pickguard is long gone (we think it looks better anyway without it), and the original case is also gone (it came to us in a gig bag, which is included).  The guitar is outfitted with a Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90.  It gives you a vintage correct tone, for warm chords with a sparkly top and the ability to play single notes that will stand out without sounding harsh.  You get a sweet, musical, singing quality to the output.
This vintage 1959 ES-125 is a great find.  The guitar has been setup to play perfectly by the techs in our shop.  It's an amazing player, and of course sounds beautiful too.  This is one of the coolest and most affordable vintage Gibson guitars we've had here in recent years - this is a special piece for sure.  You won't run across many of these, so if this is up your alley, make it yours before it's gone!

Serial Number: S17825

Listed6 months ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • ES-125
Finish
  • Sunburst
Categories
Year
  • 1959
Fretboard Material
  • Rosewood
Color Family
  • Brown
Body Material
  • Maple
Model Family
Body Shape
  • Non Cutaway
Neck Construction
  • Set-Neck
Body Type
  • Hollow Body
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Wood Top Style
  • Plain
Finish Pattern
  • Sunburst
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Pickup Configuration
  • S
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Stop-Bar
Scale Length
  • 24.75"
Number of Frets
  • 19

Product safety information may be available here.

Truetone Music

Santa Monica, CA, United States
Joined Reverb:2015

Reverb Protection

Simple Returns, Secure Transactions, Human Support

Learn more

Secure Checkout

Promoted similar listings













Product reviews

Reverb Gives

Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music.

Oops, looks like you forgot something. Please check the fields highlighted in red.